Most theaters wouldn't list it this far out. But my guess is it will open very wide.

I'm also a little concerned about Barks. Her voice is lovely and I'm glad to see she's refined her performance since the 25th Anniversary, which I thought was AWFUL, but...eh. I don't know. She seems to be adequate but not exceptional. I can really see how Hathaway and Redmayne are elevating their characters, while she doesn't look to be bringing much to the table. However, it's just a 1 minute clip, so we'll see.

I did read a review that spoiled that

Spoiler:

they cut the "Hey little boy, what's this I see? God Eponine the things you do." scene and that she no longer appears in the trio during the finale, so I hope those cuts aren't a sign.

That's disappointing, if true. I was thrilled when I read the script and

Spoiler:

Eponine and the Bishop turn up as Jean Valjean lies dying. Does that mean that only Fantine appears? I was a little nervous that all the ghostly apparitions would make it a little too much like the end of Return of the Jedi.

I read at least one previewer refer to Barks as a 'breakout star' for what it's worth.

swsa, I don't think that's a sign. The way the script set it up, that scene isn't necessary, and as for the other part, it's always been a little awkward that Eponine shows up there, so I can see why they take her out.

Amanda Seyfried: hmm, high pitched and weird.

At least her acting's nice, I guess. And she looks really ethereal.

I'm kinda bugged by all the lip biting and shaking and swiping at the face Hathaway is doing.

ulkis wrote:swsa, I don't think that's a sign. The way the script set it up, that scene isn't necessary, and as for the other part, it's always been a little awkward that Eponine shows up there, so I can see why they take her out.

Yeah, I've honestly never understood her inclusion at the end, from a story perspective anyway. After all, if the end is about ferrying Valjean off to his richly-deserved reward, what's the girl who had an unrequited crush on his son-in-law doing there?

I've actually read a lot of reviews that are saying Barks might sneak into supporting actor. Like shes not going to dethrone Hathaway at all but that she might get them two nominations for them in that category.

Banana Republic's giving out free passes to this today. One per person, no purchase necessary, so if you're going by a store it might be worth popping in. Despite my dislike of Russell Crowe I am getting ridiculously excited about this. 21 days to go...

He sounds...okay I guess, but that's the most talk sing kind of song. LORD Russell Crowe is such a cheese bag, but he and Hugh are cute together. Also I have never disputed Crowe is great actor so I'm always pro actor over singer when it's a movie musical.

I watched an interview with him in which he was analyzing the character of Javert and he said that (no spoilers for the movie in particular if you already know the story)

Spoiler:

the death of the students is what really causes Javert to unravel, because Javert realizes he could have prevented the death of all those young men. What in the what now, Crowe? He was citing the book, and there is just . . . no evidence for that interpretation in the book but I guess you could extrapolate that, but even if you allow for that I don't see what Javert could have done to stop it anyhow. I don't think he could have convinced the students not to rebel nor could he have stopped the National Guard from killing them

I was pleasantly surprised by Crowe in that clip, but we'll see. I remain unconvinced. As blixie said, that is the most talk/sing song. But there were moments/notes that were definitely better than I was expecting.

As for the bobbing about, I read a comment on another site (maybe it was the Advent calendar?) that said something like "at least now we know what Russell Crowe looks like when he's singing karaoke." Hee.

The few reviews I've seen so far have all basically said the movie is the same as the musical which makes me want to scream with irrational fan rage, lol. Have any of these reviewers even SEEN the musical? I don't think it's a requirement but you'd think at least one would have. I mean for me

Spoiler:

Fantine selling her teeth, Javert confessing he suspected Valjean, Eponine keeping the letter from Marius, Valjean having a moment of hatred for Marius . . . all these things add so much for me

one thing I don't like is that one of Fantine's clients rape her. Really, Tom Hooper? Fantine's life still was not gritty enough for you?

I'm not mad at reviewers for not liking anything, just annoyed that none of them notice these pretty (imo) significant changes from the stage

this made me laugh (no spoilers)

Fangirl Mind-Melter #08Oh shit, Anne Hathaway! – Look, we got it, you’re so tired of hearing about how Anne Hathaway stopped eating and sucked weight like a wrestler and suffered for her art so she could be the best Fantine that ever there was that you want to punch her in her overlarge mouth. And you’re nervous as fuck, cause you heard that totally unmixed cut of the trailer a few months ago and she sounded like hell, and like… Patti LuPone, man. Patti LuPone. But trust us. You are about to have your mind blown. And not just because of “I Dreamed A Dream.” Anne is actually kind of perfect.

and just to expose my whole crazy obsession, because I've already gone this far, if you have Turner Classic movies tomorrow at 8 pm eastern they're showing three old movie versions. The only one really worth watching is the last one but it's going to air at midnight so if you're interested record that shit. Or ya know. If you're on the west coast watch it a bit and then record it.

Fangirl Mind-Melter #31The blonde can stay. – There are a lot of miracles in this movie, but here’s our favorite: Cosette didn’t make us want to stab her all that much. Dull as a dairy cow, this character does nothing of note except fret, shiver, and wear hats. And furthering Victor Hugo’s point that there is truly no justice, she doesn’t even die. But in the film, Amanda Seyfried manages to be sweet without being cloying, and she sings nicely enough.